Can you believe it's time to start writing end of the year round up posts? Me either! I have no idea where the year went but I do know that I started using some really awesome things over the last twelve months. I've never really done a round up post quite like this one but there was a handful of items that I really wanted to blog about because they made such an impact on my life. So, in alphabetical order, the six best things I started using in 2016 are...

Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme. THE best lotion, ever. Not only does it leave my hands so soft and moisturized, it also smells heavenly. Shortly after getting this I got my hands on another Aveda lotion, their candrimā™ body lotion, which is equally as amazing. So maybe it's just Aveda? Either way, I have literally never used a better lotion! My skin gets incredibly dry in the winter (because I really reeeally love hot showers) so this lotion has been a godsend!

Digit. I already shared my love of Digit here. Nothing has changed since then except for the fact I've saved even more money! I really don't think there is any one who wouldn't benefit from using Digit!

Diva Cup. I'm sorry if you're flinching already. This has been something I've wanted to write about since I first bought it earlier in the year. I know a lot of people are really grossed out talking about periods but I'm not and I honestly consider my diva cup LIFE CHANGING.Seriously. I used to constantly stress about leaking so my period was a nightmare. SO much anxiety. But with my diva cup, I know I have nothing to worry about! I honestly don't know why it took me so long to get one but I will never ever ever go back to tampons. Paired with a period tracker, I use Flo, you will never stain your favorite undies again! I love it so much that I could probably ramble on and on about my diva cup forever. I absolutely encourage you to look into getting one.

Fitbit Alta. I actually had this post almost finished before I realized I forgot to write about one of my Fitbit. Ahh! Whoops. While, I admit, I've fallen a little bit and don't hit 10,000 steps every single day like I did when I first bought it its still a huge motivation to move more. Since getting my Fitbit I, without a doubt, get so much more exercise.

NuMe Curling Wand. I can't believe how beautiful my hair looks when I use my curling wand. It helps me achieve my dream hair. For the longest time I was a fan of using foam curlers but after getting my curling wand the curls I get from the foam curlers just don't cut it anymore. You can read my post on my curling wand here.

Wet n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner. Back in October I made a list of my favorite beauty products. In that post I mentioned how I loved Stila eyeliner but always went looking for a cheaper alternative when I ran out. I FINALLY found an eyeliner I like more.For $3.99 you'd be crazy not to at least try what I now consider the ultimate eyeliner. It's so easy to get nice, crisp lines and this stuff stays on so well! It comes out solid solid soliiiid black in one swipe. I can do a perfect cat eye in no time flat with this eyeliner. There is no need for me to ever purchase a different product now that I've found this one.

Also, it's not really along the same lines as the things listed in this post but Professor in a bow tie is a pretty darn fabulous thing that happened this year. Pets by Carvas rules. I really didn't think it was possible for me to think that cat was any cuter but somehow he is. It makes me smile every single time I see it. Every kitty needs a bow tie.

Did you find any products this year that are off the hook? I wanna hear all about them.xoxo

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

I'm very excited to move. Maybe a little too excited to move... I've been an anxious mess this last week because life just feels like it's in limbo. I really do not enjoy not knowing what date I'll actually be moving. I could get a text this week that the apartment is ready or it could be next year (Goodness, I hope not!) As hard as I try not to be, I'm horribly impatient. I have all my knick-knacks packed up and my shelves are empty. The majority of things have been taken off my walls and this place just doesn't feel like home anymore. I've always been very weird and protective of my things. I love having a clean, organized space for all the things that make me happy to be displayed and without that something just feels off.

I've been struggling to do just about everything these last few days. Being self employed you don't really get sick days. I mean, I can take as many days off as I want but it'll come back to bite me in the butt when it's time to pay the bills. I've wasted so much time sitting at my computer desk just staring at the screen trying to find the right words to type to appear positive, and save face but the truth is I just feel like a bubble wrap puppy.*

Instead of sleeping until it's time to move, which lets be real is exactly what I want to do, I thought it might be helpful to talk about my feelings, and try to search for ways to make myself feel more like myself. I know that I need to work but sometimes it's more important to take a step back and deal with your feelings first. Just like when you're stuck in the mud, you can't sit and spin your tires forever. You have to take a different approach. That's why today I'm setting out to have the perfect day!

Some of the very few odds and ends that aren't packed up yet. I just got this tiny glass display box from Moorea Seal, I cannot wait to actually put something cool in it. Maybe a tiny skull?

I guess there are lots of forms of perfect days. There is the kind I can accomplish by myself, just quality alone time. Then there is the perfect day spent with friends. I'm not talking about crazy once in a lifetime perfect days like your wedding, or some incredible vacation but the kind of really great day that is like a reset button. Sometimes leaving the city and visiting my parents for the day is just that, and other times a day out exploring with my friends does the job.

My perfect day spent alone involves cleaning my apartment first thing after waking up. I know, I know. What a weirdo. Not a ton of cleaning though, just enough to make you feel accomplished. I guess in this case, it would involve packing up another little corner of my apartment instead of cleaning. Doing my hair and make up, and putting on an outfit that makes me feel like a million bucks. Then going shopping... or rather browsing. My favorite stores are TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods. Basically the same store just under different names. I don't even need to buy anything. There are days when I truly just enjoy looking at things, feeling fabrics, and trying on things I have no intention of purchasing. Just being out and about is always good for my mental health. After shopping I'd wander around a cemetery or hit up the beach, both are equally relaxing places for me. Then I'd come home and make dinner. Nothing super complicated but something that involves a little bit of work then some time in the oven or on the stove. Something that warms the house and fills every room with its tasty aroma. Chorizo stuffed peppers! To end the evening, I'd cuddle up on the couch with Klaus and the cats, actually find a good documentary to watch, and paint my nails. I may not paint my nails as fancy as I used to but it's still one of my favorite things to do.

What's your idea of a perfect day? xoxo

*Okay so, "bubble wrap puppy" is what Jeff and I say when I'm feeling super sensitive. It is based on this meme. Ex. "What's wrong?" "I don't know, I just feel like a bubble wrap puppy today."

Follow by Email

All Rights Reserved. Photos + text on this blog are property of Kaylah Doolan/The Dainty Squid unless noted.The Dainty Squid is a for profit blog. I participate in a number affiliate programs meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase through one of those links. Occasionally I receive products free of charge to review, write sponsored posts, and host giveaways - such posts will be labeled accordingly. Thanks for your support!